Confirmation

Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation. In the Diocese of Leeds, and therefore here at St Mary’s Knaresborough, confirmation will not normally be administered to candidates below the age of 13. Preparation for this sacrament is sometimes offered by the school that your child attends if he or she attends a Catholic school, but more normally the preparation takes place within the parish along with other youngsters preparing to receive this sacrament. The preparation course is led by the Parish Priest with assistance from parish catechists (teachers). On completion of the preparation course, the Sacrament of Confirmation is administered by the Bishop either in the Cathedral or in one of the churches of the Harrogate Deanery together with candidates from other parishes in the deanery.

The Confirmation Preparation Course will begin in February or March each year depending on the date of Confirmation determined by the Bishop. Keep a close eye on the weekly parish bulletin for dates and details. Please contact Fr William if you wish your child to be enrolled. In line with the diocesan age profile, this is aimed at Year 8 children, but if your child is older than this and has missed the Sacrament of Confirmation for whatever reason they would be most welcome to join this course.

Adults who have not yet been confirmed would join the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) programme which usually starts in November. Confirmation would then be received at Easter in conjunction with Reception into the Church. Please contact Father William if you wish to be enrolled on the next RCIA course.